Hipkiss gets the nod via late night text

In days gone by you would be told of your selection for a World Cup either by letter or a phone call. However England centre Dan Hipkiss was told of his inclusion in Brian Ashton’s final squad via a late night text message.

It was whilst he was driving back from England’s base in Bath on Sunday night that he received the unexpected news, having previously been given no indication that he was going to France.

“I had not expected to find out until the Monday,” Hipkiss told The Diss Express.

“The text said something like ‘Congratulations you have made the squad for the World Cup’ and then places we have to be and the times.

“I was very happy and phoned my mum and dad, who were very pleased for me, and a couple of my good friends.

“By the time I got back to the hotel no one was up.

“I felt quite a bit of relief but at the same time my room-mate for the last three weeks Nick Abendanon didn’t make it, so I gave him a call.

“Although I felt a lot of happiness, I also felt for the guys who didn’t make it.”

Hipkiss, who only made his England debut against Wales two weeks ago, will start against France on Saturday in what Brian Ashton has dubbed his strongest possible team.